If you suffer from genital warts then you probably already know that these warts are the physical signs of the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus is highly contagious and you have more than a 65% chance of contracting it if you have sexual relations with someone who already has it. O.K. so you’ve got genital warts – the next question that will be foremost in your mind is how to get rid of them, in other words how do you go about genital wart removal?

Unfortunately, HPV cannot be cured because it is a virus (and antibiotics will not deal with it) but genital warts can be removed even though this will not rid your body of the virus and there is the chance of another outbreak. Having said that it is always worth getting your warts checked out as occasionally some types of genital warts can be a precursor to more serious complications such as cervical cancer.

Depending on the severity and size of your warts, your local G.P. or medical clinic will advise you on the best method of removal. If they are not too serious, different gels and creams can be applied. Podophyllotoxin is a plant extract and because the body absorbs it, the cream should not be used if you are pregnant. With repeated applications, this cream should destroy the warts within about three weeks and although it is easier to apply to awkward places than a liquid, it may sometimes cause the skin to become red and have a burning sensation.

Another cream is imiquimod which may be prescribed if podophyllotoxin is not successful. This is applied each night and then washed off in the morning and works by boosting the body’s immune system to destroy the warts. Itching, redness and soreness are common side effects and it does take a long time to work – about two months in women and three in men.

If surgery is recommended, there are three options that are more commonly used: Cryosurgery where the warts are frozen with nitrous oxide, electrocautery where the warts are burnt off and trichloracetic acid which destroys the proteins in the cells. If the warts are excessively large then your doctor may suggest laser surgery.

Freezing your warts may take several treatments while burning and laser removal will do the job in one go. Healing time will vary depending on the size of the area treated but it will probably take two to four weeks to heal completely. Surgical removal of genital warts is quite a quick process but all the follow-ups can become tedious and the possibility of scarring should always be taken into consideration.

Gels, creams and surgical removal can only be done by a medical professional but there are some remedies which you can make at home. Apple cider vinegar is probably the most popular as it is simple and actually works. All you have to do is soak some cotton wool in apple cider vinegar and then tape it in place over your warts. Leave overnight and remember to remove it in the morning (otherwise it will burn your skin). Your warts should begin to fall off within about a week. Other home remedies include tea tree oil, garlic and vitamin E to name but a few. These remedies are natural and if used properly will not give you any unwanted side effects.

There are several options which may be taken for genital wart removal and the method of choice is, of course, entirely up to the individual.

© Megan Jackson

Megan is a teacher who likes to help people with genital warts issues. She is also a platinum-level expert author on EzineArticles.com which is the world’s largest article directory. Megan recommends using natural and homeopathic approaches such as Wartrol. For a special discount, just click here.